Tomorrow the day has come, over 140 young breeders are to arrive at the National Equestrian Centre in the Netherlands for the start of the WBFSH World Championships of International Young Breeders powered by Horses2Fly. The tents have been set up and all preparations have been made to turn this weekend into a success. 

The coming four days 141 young breeders shall defend the honour of 20 studbooks. A true world championship which features delegations from across the globe, including Ireland, Germany, Canada, and Sweden. The young breeders are divided over two age categories, the Juniors (15-19 years) and the Seniors (20-25 years). All participants may enter the competition on an individual basis and the best three results count toward the studbook championship. The young breeders are tested in four areas: theory, assessment of conformation, judging free jumping and free movement and in-hand presentation of a horse. Outside the scope of the championships, a turn-out competition is organised in which participants are asked to groom a horse in a team effort. 

KWPN-teams

The KWPN is represented by eight JongKWPN-members that earned their spot at the National Championships in April. Among the Juniors we will see Niels Remijn, Saffira Hartemink, Nikki Klaaskate en Celine Oosteromwhile the Senior team is comprised of Eline Pouw, Nikki Jantzen, Vera Bos en Jeanine Schoondermark. Last week, the teams made their final preparations at Egbert Schep under the guidance of Arie Hamoen.

Free entry

Visitors are more than welcome to have a look at the site in Ermelo. The WC is freely accessible and is organised in the Amalia Hall and at the main outdoor arena. JongKWPN chairman Muriël Koelen adds: “The theory test is taken on the grandstand indoor, the freejumping takes place in the Amalia Hall and the turn-out competition in the stables. The conformation assessment and in-hand presentation are held in the main ring. Especially the in-hand presentation on Saturday is fun to watch from the sideline, since you then easily get in contact with other participants watching from there. A great opportunity to connect with young breeders from abroad.”

Program

Thursday, all participants and supporters are due to arrive and in the afternoon the championship starts with the theory test. On Friday the program entails two disciplines: judging free movement and free jumping and judging the conformation of a horse. On Saturday in-hand presentation is organised as well as the concluding prize giving ceremony. The judges this weekend are Marian Dorresteijn (NED), Bart Henstra (NED), Tiernan Gill (IRL), Matthias Werner (GER), Laura Vodskov Juul (DEN) en Stefaan de Smet (BEL). The detailed schedule can be found here. 

Photo: JongKWPN